The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly shopping around Ryan O’Reilly and are looking to acquire defensive help. This report falls squarely in the “rumor” department, but it’s worth discussing considering the skill involved in a potential deal and the fact O’Reilly was at the center of several trade rumors during his contract dispute this summer.
The source of this report – Adrian Dater – is no longer covering the Avalanche for the Denver Post due to some inappropriate behavior on social media. His professional work may not involve the Avs, but it’s safe to say he probably still has some connections in the proper places to report on a rumor such as this one. However, take this report with an extra helping of salt.
O’Reilly being offered around the league for a good D-man. Florida and Winnipeg. Pondering, Toronto and Montreal too
— Adrian Dater (@adater) December 28, 2014
Dater is aware his recent termination may lead you to question his credibility, so he followed it up with this Tweet explaining why the rumor may be denied.
People might publicly deny it, but O’Reilly is definitely in play again on the market — Adrian Dater (@adater) December 28, 2014
An O’Reilly trade makes a lot of sense considering he has performed below the level we saw last year and he carries a sizable contract. Earning $12 million between 2014-15 and 2015-16, O’Reilly was going to be held to some high expectations. He hasn’t been completely awful this season, but his six goals and 13 assists through 34 games trail behind the pace he had in 2013-14 when he finished with 28 goals and 36 assists.
Take this report and its source for what you will, but it’s not the most far-fetched rumor you’ll hear in the NHL.
